Connecticut's unemployment rate held steady at 4.5 percent in April even though the state lost 1,400 net jobs, according to the state Department of Labor.

April represents the state's second consecutive month of job declines, although job growth in 2018 exceeds last year's pace, labor officials said.

DOL said there were 85,800 people unemployed in April, down 581 vs. March. The private sector led the April job losses, shedding 1,200 workers.

The largest job decrease was in the trade, transportation and utilities industry subsector, which shed 1,400 jobs and financial services shed 900 net jobs. Construction and mining lost 400 jobs in April.

Leisure and hospitality led growing industries, up 800 net jobs, followed by education and health services with 500 new jobs.